Scorching Saturday

Good morning, well for me it is morning, just.  It is way before 6am and already over 16 degrees outside so here I am sat with a cuppa, updating the blog.  I bet you thought I was up so early to join the queue for the next Sale didnt you?  Oh yes, there will be queues.
It has been a busy few days for me, I have been out and about visiting friends, delivering orders that have arrived, looking in new shops and generally enjoying life as you do.  I have had lots of visitors, where we have put the world to rights so it should be a happier place now and getting lots of sleep so I think today I can honestly say I feel good * you have to do it with the proper James Brown tune in your head feel good, I knew that I would, now / I feel good, I knew that I would, now / So good, so good, I got you / Whoa! I feel ......* you get the picture.

Speaking of pictures, I saw a picture of a similar card on the wonderful inspiration of pintrest (have you discovered pintrest?)  but I cant find it again so, thank you to who ever made the original


It has been made using the new mosiac madness stamp and matching punch.  I did it on Very Vanilla Card and if you would like to make a few of these with me, let me know and I shall be happy to show you how.  I would like to do this as a background on a scrapbook page, I just need the couple of hours to do it.

I have also been in the garden a lot, oh no, not in the sunshine.......I do not do just sitting in the sun and burning the skin.  I lived out in Cyprus too long to know what it can do so I may catch a few rays during the late afternoon tidying up the garden (I know that Paul is reading this today so I want him to be impressed).  Here are a few photos I have taken

 Just a few of the plants from the back of the house.  Now those little pots have lots of different plants in them but, the majority are Castor Oil plants.  I have been growing these for more than 2 years and although some have gone to good homes, I have a few more that are ready to go to new homes. 

Stampin' Up! still have lots of offers on, still have some wonderful things that I am looking at in the catalogue and I am still finding things I havent seen before.  If you would like to see more of Stampin' Up! goodies, ask questions, find out about joining the team or just want a crafty chat, why not join me this Tuesday.  I am having a Tuesday at Traceys and if, just if the weather is nice, the brolly will be up, the table will be set and we can sit outside for a crafty chatter.  Hope to see you on Tuesday.

Well today I am off to Leeds YEAH.  A few of us are going to brave it so I need to get a wriggle on and jump in the shower. Thanks for having a read.  I do hope that you manage to stay cool on what is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Midweek Musing

Another busy morning at work, honestly the time just flies when I am there.  What a difference a day makes with the weather.  No sunshine today and the temperature has dropped quite a lot.  Yesterday it was 28 degrees and today, 18.  Because it has been cooler I have managed to deadhead the rose at the front and give it a good drink, it is not looking too well at all.  Resolve has been put down on the weeds so that I can pull them out in a couple of days.  I have even got the bins out ready to put on the front in the morning, impressed?  I am.

I have also given the side of the house and all the back a good sweep, a bit of a dead head, watered early and then a hose down to get it all fresh.  Looking good Mr. A.  I am sure it will still look as good when you get back.

The bees have been a bit of a bother again today.  I am obviously walking in their flight path as they have been hitting me, or maybe I am the target?  No stings but wow, there are so many of them.

I have also done some banking, some filing and some cleaning.  Sorted out a few bits for the girls and got everything ready for my candle making session this Sunday.  Oh yes, I have decided to make the candles in tea cups this weekend.  Would you like one or do you know someone who would?  Let me know as I am happy to take orders.

Yesterday I mentioned that I had made a second card with my bundle of a stamp set and embossing folder, Wildflower Meadow and here it is.

 This time I inked up the stamp and placed Stampin' Up! Watercolour Card on top of the stamp.  Gave it a gentle rub and this is how it turned out, totally different to the previous one.

 I added a couple of butterflies from the butterfly punch and some rhinestones as bodies on them.

 I also used up a few pieces of scrap Rich Razzleberry strips and wrapped them around the card.  Tied them together with a slither of card, that was trickey as it kept snapping.

The insert, again, I didnt re-ink the stamp to do this and of course, the tag.  I am really pleased with the way this turned out and tonight, I shall be having another little play, along with the embossing folder for a change.  I also need to tidy up the craft room first.

I hope you like the card and thanks for having a read today.  Enjoy your evening.

Wildflower Meadow

A couple of days off from the blog but daughters already asking me if I am okay. So I am updating this evening, whilst it is a bit cooler.

Hot, hot, hot.  I know that not everyone like this type of weather but personally, I can cope with it.  I havent been out in the garden sunbathing, I know what this could lead to but I have certainly been enjoying it.  The garden is looking good, the deadheading has been done, I am watering each evening and I must say, it really is pleasant to sit out there and listen to all the birds singing (nothing happening at the moment though).  I will put some photos up of the garden so the girls can see how its all looking and of course, so can you.

I am still very overwhelmed by all the new and wonderful things in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue.  You did know that there was a new one out didnt you *smile*.  As well as enjoying the sun, sorting out the house etc. I have had a little play with a bundle.  A bundle is a stamp set and an embossing folder that you buy together, at a discounted rate.

I have used Wildflower Meadow Stamp Set teamed up with Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive on Whisper White Card.

 Here is a bit of a close up of the image



 And here is the insert.  I didnt reink this big stamp, I just lay the card on top of the stamp and gentle rubbed all over it.  There was enough ink on the stamp to give me this image.

 I wasnt sure about the sentiment so I stamped out one in each colour

 Cutting them out was easy because there is a punch for that now as well.  I think the Old Olive Label is the best and I just went around the edge with an Old Olive marker.  Do you like the label set and punch, more about that in another post but it is something you may want to add to your wish list.

 I am showing you the butterfly punch as I used this to make my second card, which I shall show you tomorrow.

And of course, I am now making tags to go with my cards and trying to keep them together.  It makes such a nice finishing touch when you are giving someone a gift, to have it all matching.

 And a close up of the tag.  I have used Old Olive ribbon in this one.  I dont have any of the new ribbon yet.  That will be going onto my next order, next week.



If you would like to make a set of cards using this stamp, please let me know and we can arrange a one on one crafting session.  If you would like to purchase the stamp, the bundle or anything else from Stampin' Up! give me a call on 01332 721877 or email me at tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

Thanks for having a read today and please, do get in touch if you would like any information, help or an order from Stampin' Up!.  Enjoy the rest of the evening

The Best Of

In Derby today, they have forecast El Scorchio weather.  Oh yes, we are to expect around 26 -28 degrees.  Now I know that not everyone likes this kind of heat and I do hope you manage to stay cool but me, I really dont mind it.

At 5am the windows and doors were wide open in the kitchen as it was 17 degrees and I have 1001 little chores to get on with before I take our grand daughter, who had a birthday recently, into town.  Paul is still here for a couple of more days which is lovely, I am sure he will be putting the garden to rights, deadheading, trimming back etc. etc.

The white bottomed bumble bee nest is becoming a little bit of a bother.  Where there were just a few bees a couple of weeks ago, there are an awful lot more now

Every time I go out of the door I have to duck or run off quite quickly.  I have been hit by a few of them, not stung, they have just flown into me.  We shall just have to monitor them and if it gets too much, who knows.  And then, I have a wasps nest in the eves of the house, just outside my craft room (bomb site).  Now they do have to go but I need to get craft room cleaned so that Paul can get to open the window, to spray whatever he has to spray, yaks.

It was Derby Dabblers last night YEAH.  It was a lovely evening chatting away, seeing what others were doing and catching up.  I was lucky enough to sit and play with my new SU white clay, moulds and different coloured inks.  I will get the results all sorted to show you in the week.  Do you remember 'pink shrimp sweets'?  The way they had that squashy feeling well, this is what the clay feels like.  I am really impressed with them.

Best of Flowers, do you remember that I told you SU were bringing out a 'Best of' set each month to celebrate 25 years?  Well the first month was best of flowers and the second month is 'Best of Butterflies'  I have used my Best of Flowers set to make the thank you cards for all my Stamperettes and here is a sample of them

Stamperettes is a group of 10 ladies that all sign up to spend £15 a month for 10 months.  During that 10 months they are a virtual hostess meaning that they get at least £25 to spend in the catalogues.  If this is something you fancy, give me a call on 01332 721877 as I have another group starting up on 28th July and there are still a couple of places left.  Its a great way of building up your stamping collection, bit by bit.  

Thank you for having a read today and wishing you a very happy Saturday, whatever you are doing.

Happy Birthday Amy

Good afternoon and what strange weather.  I got up to a very damp morning and it was forecast to have some showers until around tea time and then, believe it or not, Summer is just around the corner.  We shall see.

Amy our grandaughter, is 8 years old today and here is the card I made for her, which I hope she liked.

I love making this type of card and, should anyone like something similar, please let me know.

Paul came home YEAH but only for a few days BOOO.  We have a busy few days while he is here, visiting family, off to a show, a lot of gardening and of course, I am still putting all the things away from a lovely day on Saturday with wonderful ladies who came to see the new catalogue.

It is Derby Dabblers this Friday too, oh yes, if you are a crafty and fancy an evening of chatting to other crafters, please come along to St. Martins Church Hall at around half past 6.  It is a lovely evening out.

Another little card before I take a cuppa up to the bomb site that is supposed to be a craft room.
 

 This was made with the new mosiac madness stamp set and the matching punch.  You really dont need a lot more to make lovely cards and colours, well you can do this is almost any colour you want.

If you would like to order Stampin' Up! items to make this card, or any other card, please give me a call on 01332 721877 as I really would be very happy to get these for you and help.

Well, thank you for having a read today and I hope you have a lovely afternoon and evening.  Until next time

Terrific Tuesday

Lots and lots to tell you about so I hope you are comfy.

The new catalouge starts today and my first order will be going in this afternoon.  There is a copy on the right hand side of my blog, just click on the cover and you should get to a pdf file of all the new loveies.

If you would like anything, please let me know.  If you would like a quick peek before I order, I will be home around 3pm for an hour or two.  If you would like your own catalogue, ready for the next order which will be in about 10 days time, please feel free to get in touch and I will organise getting your copy out to you.

There is also a best of stamp set again, this month it is butterflies.  Oh I know a few people that are going to be loving this set.   If you click on it, this will enlarge it so you can see the print a little better.

 I can order this for you today, if you would like me to.......I cant wait to start playing with my new set that I will order. 

Fancy getting a few things each month, then maybe joining the stamperettes is for you?  Click on the tab at the top of the blog and read all about the stamperettes group.

And as if that wasnt enough

Greeting stamps with 25% off goodness me, such a lot to take in.

Thank you for having a read, I shall have to get a move on and get to work as its extra busy today.  More cards to show you tomorrow though, have a great day

Monday Mosiac Madness

Here we go, a brand new month *white rabbit*  *white rabbit* *white rabbitt* and another week commences.  I am off to do my stint at work.  I am so excited about coming home though as I already have my afternoon planned, off to Little Eaton and then put everything away in the craft room.

Did you know that today is the very last day that you can order anything from the 2012 - 2013 Stampin' Up' book.  Here are a few of my favourites

I could add lots more as I have made some fantastic cards with some fantastic friends this last year and I am sure you will see cards from me using these bits in the future.  They are too good to stay hidden away.

So, its the new catalogue as from tomorrow YEAH.  Lots of ladies have asked me to get them half a packet of 12 x 12 papers.  There are so many new designer papers from Stampin' Up! and everyone wants to try them all so, I am happy to oblige.  If you would like one sheet of each 12 x 12 from a particular designer series set, let me know and I shall order it as soon as two people want the same pack.  It is your own paper share and already there are lots of requests.  Some people want buttons and others want ribbon so, I have created a new page on my blog - Your Share.  Please have a look through the catalogue, let me know what you would like to share and I shall add it to my blog.  Fingers crossed that this works.

Just another couple of cards for today, this is using the brand new Mosiac Madness stamp set.

We all had a go at making this last week and everyone enjoyed it.  I am sure it will look just as fantastic in bold/bright colours, something for me to try soon.

With this set there are these wonderful stamps available as well as,  an embossing folder, papers and punch.  Gems with this are a must and, you will find a bundle offered by Stampin' Up! which really is a great offer.


The embossing folder really makes the card stand out and the punched images fit perfectly.  If you would like to find out more about these cards, please get in touch and I will try to help.

I have to tell you that I shall be placing my first NEW CATALOGUE ORDER tomorrow.  If you would like to order anything, no matter how little or large, please tell me and I will get it ordered.  Not got your catalogue yet? ohhh join the Stamperettes Series 11 and get your catalouge FREE OF CHARGE.  Alternatively you can call in for a coffee and browse through my copy or purchase one for yourself at a cost of £3.  If you would like to place your own order and have it delivered, direct to your door there will be a £4.95 p+p charge. If you would like your order to be delivered to me, and then you collect from me or we arrange to meet up, there will be 50p p+p charge. I am getting so excited about all the new things I want to show you but I have to be patient, for one more day.

Must get a wiggle on and get into work.  Have a lovely Monday and please, get in touch if I can help with anything.

Sunny Sunday and Stampin' Up! butterflies

I have had a bit of a lie in this morning, which is good.  Waking up to a blue sky, a bit of sunshine and the birds singing is wonderful.

Today I am off into town for a little retail therapy.  Of course, its treat time after all the hard work I have put in the last few weeks and, because I had some vouchers for my birthday that I havent yet spent, I shall treat myself to a couple of bits I need.  I do have a little shopping list and knowing me, I will be home after an hour or so but that's fine.

I have lots and lots of cleaning up, putting away and sorting out to do today, after my lovely day yesterday.  I need to make a list of all the retired items I have for sale and, if you would like to see what there is, just let me know.

Lots of new things to look forward to in the new catalogue and, if you havent got your catalogue yet then I would be very happy to send you one in the post, first class.  These are not just catalogues to see what items you can purchase but they are full of inspiration, ideas, colours to put together and tips all the way through.  A really good investment.  Of course, if you are in the Derby area and would like to collect a book or you would like me to drop one off, I would love to. 

Stampin' Up! have some wonderful coloured card.  There are also inks, ribbon, buttons, pens, patterned papers and lots more that are all the same colour as the card and sometimes, I get a little confused as to what colour is what so, I spent a few hours making my own  12 x 12 colour board

This has all the reds together, all the blues, all the pinks etc. etc. so that I can see at a glance the colours.  I must admit that I work better this way and have all my card organised in colour groups, rather than the families.

To make my colour board I used a punch. There is a tiny butterfly punch that Stampin' Up! have that is just a MUST HAVE to anyone who likes butterflies.

But then I got hooked on butterflies and made this card using Papillion Potpourri which has 6 butterflies in the stamp set.  There is also a punch that co-ordinates with the set so cutting out just wasnt an issue.

If you would like more information about anything that you have seen on my blog, please do give me a ring or send me an email.

Thank you for visiting my blog today and I hope that all is well in your world.  Have a lovely day and please, do let me know if you would like a catalogue.

Super Saterday

What a smashing day I have had today.  It started at silly o'clock as I wanted to bake the cream horns as fresh as fresh could be, it was worth it

 And of course, they werent the only treat on the table.

Then it was a clean up of the kitchen and get everything ready for my open house, tea and coffee to order all day long with cake, cake and more cake.  Can you believe that I havent had any yet, my treat for later.  We have laughed, chattered, put the world to rights, oohhhedd and arreeed over the new catalogue and then it was silent.  So here I am, sat all alone it total silence......

Well thank you for all the comments everyone gave about the card samples but guess what, we didnt really discuss in great detail, Digital Crafting.  Oh yes, very very soon you can get the digital studio, date is to be advised.  I must admit that I am a total novice to this so, with a little help from me friends (I do hope you know who you are), you can come with me on this wonderful journey of going digi.

Here is a set of cards, notebook etc. that I have made using the Secret Garden Stamp Set and Framlits. 

If you would like to make this set as well as other cards using Secret Garden just let me know and I will be very happy to show you and your friends how to do these, in your home.  It will take a couple of hours and I am free in an afternoon as well as an evening and as I love to travel, it doesnt really matter where abouts in the area you are.  Give me a call on 01332 721877 to find out more as I would to spend some crafty time with you.  I will come armed with everything you need, all you have to do is have somewhere to craft.  Nothing could be easier.

Its now time for a cuppa, a bite to eat and put my feet up for the evening.  Thanks for having a read today and I hope you have a lovely weekend, well what is left of it.  *waving to everyone who visited* cause I know they are waiting for it.